The Story of Seeds : from Mendel’s garden to your plate and how there’s more of less to eat in the world

Something as small as a seed can have a worldwide impact. Did you know there are top-secret seed vaults hidden throughout the world? And once a seed disappears, that’s it—it’s gone forever? With the growth of genetically modified foods, the use of many seeds is dwindling—of 80,000 edible plants, only about 150 are being cultivated. With a global cast of men and women, scientists and laypeople, and photographic documentation, Nancy Castaldo chronicles where our food comes from, and more importantly, where it is going as she digs deeper into the importance of seeds in our world. This empowering book also calls young adult readers to action with suggestions as to how they can preserve the variety of one of our most valuable food sources through simple everyday actions. Readers of Michael Pollen will enjoy the depth and fascinatingly intricate social economy of seeds.

“Championing seeds as one of our planet’s most precious and vulnerable resources, Castaldo delivers a sobering global status report—and a call to action.” “Well-crafted and inspiring.” – Kirkus

“Castaldo breaks down threats like climate change and disease, while providing a greater sense of interconnectivity in nature and within world communities.” – Publishers Weekly

“As compelling and complex as any novel, The Story of Seeds is one of the most important books for young readers to be written in years. Every student, teacher, and parent ought to read this book—and then follow the author’s call to action. A must-have addition to every home and classroom library.” – Lauris White Reyes Blog

“This eye-opening book on science and politics of agriculture serves as a wake-up call to readers about the facility of something many of us take for granted: our plant-based food supply. Castaldo clearly lays out a case for the importance of plant diversity (“Seeds equal life”), presenting engaging scientific and historical information…” – Horn Book Magazine